The International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028 will be an opportunity to celebrate and worship Jesus present in the Eucharist and strengthen the faith of Catholics, according to past congress organiser Bishop Kornél Fábry. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Bishop Fábry, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest in Hungary, was the secretary general and organiser of the 52nd IEC held in Budapest in 2021.
He spoke to a gathering of Sydney Catholics this week at St Mary’s Cathedral Chapter Hall. The IEC, to be hosted next by the Sydney Archdiocese, is held every four years to deepen knowledge, respect, and love for the Eucharist.
The congress is also aimed at witnessing Christ’s presence to the world in the midst of “spiritual warfare,” Bishop Fábry said during the latest in the Scholarship in the Cathedral series of lectures.
“The aim is to celebrate Christ, to worship him in the Blessed Sacrament, to be witness to the infinite love of God who became man and remains among us in the Bread of Life, because this is one crucial part of our faith,” he said.
“It also aims to make known and loved the whole history of our faith, to promote Eucharistic life among the faithful so that they may be in a living relationship with Christ and be present in the world as authentic Christian witnesses for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”
Young professionals, archdiocesan staff, members of religious orders and clergy were among those attending the lecture, which was followed by the opportunity to ask questions of Bishop Fábry.
All present were interested in gaining ideas and inspiration from his experience of leading an IEC, about how it might be hosted in Sydney, what sorts of fruits might be expected and what challenges might be faced.
The bishop said the IEC prompted much opportunity for spiritual and parish renewal in Hungary but emphasised that the event itself is the highlight over several all-important years of preparation and then follow-up.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has said the IEC will be a joyous occasion that will deepen people’s understanding of the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
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Bishop Kornél Fábry on the International Eucharistic Congress (By Marilyn Rodrigues, The Catholic Weekly)
